Trump Claims Inflation Victory as Fed Chair Race Heats Up

• Trump said inflation is “totally neutralized,” pointing to falling prices and stronger economic signals.
• Official data still shows inflation near 3%, above the Federal Reserve’s long-term target.
• Trump wants input on interest rates and has shortlisted Kevin Warsh and Kevin Hassett as Fed chair candidates.

US President Donald Trump said inflation has been “totally neutralized,” pointing to falling prices in several everyday items and stronger economic signals.

Speaking at the White House, Trump criticized Democrats for repeatedly using the word “affordability,” saying they were responsible for the inflation problem in the first place. He claimed prices are now coming down and could even fall further.

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However, official data still shows inflation running just under 3%. The Consumer Price Index rose 3% year over year, while the Personal Consumption Expenditures index increased 2.8%, both still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.

Trump Wants a Say in Interest Rates

Trump also said he wants to be consulted on future interest rate decisions, calling it common practice in earlier decades. Traditionally, US presidents do not take part in Federal Reserve policy decisions, as the central bank operates independently.

Trump confirmed he has narrowed his search for the next Fed chair to two candidates: former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh and National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett.

Polymarket shows Kevin Hassett as the frontrunnejr to become the next Federal Reserve chair, with implied odds around 52%, ahead of former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, who stands near 40%.

Fed Independence Still Stands

Kevin Hassett, one of Trump’s top choices, later clarified that if he were chosen as Fed chair, the president’s views would not influence rate decisions.

On Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan, when asked whether the president’s voice would have equal weight to voting members, Kevin said, “No. He would have no weight. It’s just his opinion matters if it’s good, if it’s based on data.”

Hassett said the Fed’s job is to remain independent and that interest rates are decided by committee votes based on economic data. While the Fed chair may hear opinions from many sources, including the president, those views carry no voting power.

How will Crypto React?

Analysts say several economic factors are influencing market expectations. These include a focus on pushing down the 10-year bond yield, signs that quantitative tightening could end on December 1, and recent PMI data showing economic activity is contracting at 48.2.

Together, these conditions are seen as supportive for risk assets. While crypto markets usually react later than stocks and bonds, they often see bigger price moves once momentum starts building.

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